The music ministry of First Baptist Church, Lancaster, premiered a musical based on the life of Southern Baptist missions champion Annie Armstrong on March 17.
The music ministry of Lancaster First Baptist Church, including adult and children’s choirs and a vocal ensemble, recently presented an original musical, “Miss Annie.”“Miss Annie,” with original music and dramatic interpretation by Tom and Delores Eggleston, was presented by the church’s adult choir, vocal ensemble and children’s choir. Tom Eggleston is minister of music at Lancaster First.
Eggleston, a former national missionary for special events and creative arts ministry with the North American Mission Board, came up with the idea several years ago as a way to help promote the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions.
Armstrong (1850-1938) is credited with tirelessly advocating support for mission efforts throughout the world. She encouraged women to unite in mission endeavors, which led ultimately to the formation of Woman’s Missionary Union.
Songs in the musical include “Why Can’t She Be Like Other Girls,” “The World Is Coming to America” and “I Wish They Knew the Savior.” The musical is written to be performed with narration or as a complete drama with nine scenes and 23 characters.
“Miss Annie” features two women who have been asked by their church to write a script based on the life of Annie Armstrong. They deal with Annie’s childhood, her work with immigrants, her decision to accept Christ, her mission involvement and her work with Woman’s Missionary Union.
Eggleston, who has been composing and publishing choral music since 1977, was associate director of worship and music at the South Carolina Baptist Convention from 2001-2006. He has written more than 250 anthems.
“Miss Annie” is available for use by other churches, he said.